Monday, February 29, 2016

I never thought I would ever sell my beach house in Annisquam. It sits up high and looks over a beautiful, private beach. I've built a hundred sandcastles with the kids, been clamming every summer and pulled many starfish out the waters at low tide.

The Annisquam Lighthouse sits at the end of our beach. The setting for many movies and weddings. And although its unusual on the east coast to watch a sunset over the ocean, the orientation provides us the opportunity to enjoy the most spectacular sunsets over the water.

Annisquam has been a magical place for my family to enjoy summers. The kids used to ride their bikes to Yacht Club and spend the lazy days of summer at camp, sailing Opti's and playing tennis.

This is an old photo, the kids are grown now, one in college and one heading to college shortly. Dave and I will be empty nesters much sooner than we ever thought possible. Where did the years go?

I loved working on this house. It has so much inherent charm and I think I added so much more warmth to it. The house needed so much care when we bought it. New heating system, hot water heater, roof, pylons, windows, woodwork and trims, landscaping, et al - my oh my, the list was so, so long. It took us almost a full year before we could even move in, but now it is renovated and beautiful; a quintensential beach house. So, after I lovingly renovated the property, it's time for another a family to move in and build memories.

With the kids grown, Dave wanted to realize his dream of owning land. The problem was my heart was in Annisquam. It's amazing how the universe works. Once we made the decision, another property in our current neighborhood became available; a beautiful 100 year old, virtually untouched, shingle style home. Like so many homes in Annisquam, they never come on the market and this home had been in the same family since 1930. It had the land Dave wanted and a chance for me to do a full, historic renovation. And best of all, we still have the use of the beach and all that Annisquam has to offer. A perfect project to fill our time while we adjust to the kids moving on to college. If you zoom in you can see me next to porch by the far left corner of the house. We hope to start the renovations in the Fall.

We would love you to be our new neighbors, or at the very least share the journey with us! Let's see where this empty nest phase takes us!

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Sunday, January 4, 2015

There is nothing more striking than using it as an accent in the kitchen. One of my all time favorites is this design from New Ravenna Mosaics. I am planning on using something very similar in a kitchen renovation.

New Ravenna is design eye candy. Their designs are breathtaking to say the least.

Here is a close up of the intricate tile work, created by master craftsman and artists. Isn't it amazing? It is truly a work of art. And because the design is so traditional and beautiful I am quite sure I wold never tire of it.

Although I am more of a traditionalist, I am also enamored with the photo above I found on Pinterest. I love the modern design of the tile, which becomes the focal point and artwork in this kitchen. I love how different tiles are mixed to create a very striking result. Beautiful, but over time I think I would tire of it.

I am more inclined to stay with a classic or neutral palette. This gorgeous backsplash, also a creation of New Ravenna, is breathtaking and very neutral, which I prefer.

Tile can be a big expense and a more permanent part of a renovation, so I like to choose more timeless designs.

This design would never grow old or dated. It is stunning.

Of course, New Ravenna also has floral and colorful designs,

both are works of art and very beautiful...

But my heart remains with the more serene styles. This particular one is a favorite for more modern applications.

Here is a close up, notice how translucent the tile is; it almost glows. I hope you love these inspiration photos as much I do. To see many more stunning tile applications from New Ravenna, including many beautiful baths and floors click HERE.

For more inspiration please click HERE to follow me on Pinterest where I have thousands of images and folders all organized to help you with your design projects. Click HERE to follow me on Twitter. Finally, never miss a post by getting them delivered to your email - sign up above in the right corner.

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year, and looking forward to sharing the year ahead with you!

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All photos and content on Willow Decor are featured based upon my personal admiration for the exceptional talents of the architects, interior designers, architectural photographers, artists and homeowners. Willow Decor tries to credit these talented profesionals by identifying them, linking back to their websites and providing contact information, if possible. If you prefer your work not to be featured please email me at willowdecormail@gmail.com.